How Does Malaysia Measure Up in the Race for AI Leadership?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field that has the potential to transform various sectors and industries, such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and finance. Malaysia, as a developing country with a diverse and dynamic population, has recognized the importance and opportunities of AI for its economic and social development. 

According to the Government’s AI Readiness Index 2020, Malaysia ranked 22nd out of 172 countries in terms of its preparedness to adopt and benefit from AI, ahead of many of its regional peers such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. 

Malaysia has also taken several initiatives to foster and promote AI innovation and adoption, such as:

• Establishing the National AI Framework in 2018, which outlines the vision, strategies, and priorities for AI development in Malaysia, focusing on four key sectors: manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
• Launching the National AI and Data Science (NAID) Platform in 2019, which provides a cloud-based platform for AI and data science research, development, and deployment, as well as a repository of AI and data science talent, projects, and resources.
• Creating the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), which is a government agency that leads the digital transformation of Malaysia, and supports various AI-related programs and initiatives, such as the AI Talent Development Program, the AI Innovation Challenge, and the AI for Social Good Program.
• Collaborating with various local and international partners, such as universities, research institutes, industry players, and civil society organizations, to enhance AI capabilities, awareness, and applications in Malaysia. For example, Malaysia has partnered with Microsoft to establish the first AI School in Southeast Asia, which aims to train and upskill students and teachers in AI skills and technologies.

The Challenges and Opportunities of AI in Malaysia

Despite its achievements and efforts, Malaysia still faces several challenges and gaps in its AI journey, such as:

• A lack of sufficient and quality data, which is essential for AI development and innovation. Malaysia needs to improve its data governance, infrastructure, and literacy, as well as to address the issues of data privacy, security, and ethics.
• A shortage of skilled and experienced AI talent, which hinders the growth and competitiveness of the AI ecosystem. Malaysia needs to invest more in AI education, training, and retention, as well as to attract and retain foreign AI talent and experts.
• A low level of AI adoption and awareness, especially among the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the majority of the Malaysian economy. Malaysia needs to increase the awareness and understanding of the benefits and risks of AI, as well as to provide incentives and support for AI adoption and integration.

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On the other hand, Malaysia also has several opportunities and advantages that can help it advance its AI agenda, such as:

• A strategic location and connectivity, which enables Malaysia to tap into the regional and global AI markets and networks, as well as to leverage the opportunities of the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
• A rich and diverse culture and society, which provides Malaysia with a unique and valuable perspective and contribution to the AI field, as well as a potential source of social innovation and inclusion through AI.
• A strong and supportive government and leadership, which demonstrates a clear vision and commitment to drive and facilitate the AI development and adoption in Malaysia, as well as to ensure the alignment of AI with the national goals and values.

The Future of AI in Malaysia

AI is a game-changer that can bring significant benefits and challenges to Malaysia, depending on how it is developed and used. Malaysia has made considerable progress and efforts in its AI journey, but it still has room for improvement and potential for growth. Malaysia needs to address its current challenges and gaps, as well as to capitalize on its opportunities and strengths, in order to achieve its vision of becoming a leader and a hub for AI in the region and beyond. Malaysia also needs to ensure that its AI development and adoption is ethical, responsible, and human-centric, and that it serves the interests and needs of its people and society.